yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (11/02/89)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1, 1989
STS-33 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Operations to load hypergolic propellants aboard Discovery
for flight are underway today. Later today, the pad will be
cleared of all non-essential personnel while nitrogen tetroxide
and monomethylhydrazine are loaded in the orbital maneuvering
system and reaction control system storage tanks. Also during
this operation, hydrazine will be loaded onboard for Discovery's
auxiliary power units and for the solid rocket boosters'
hydraulic power units. One of the two hydraulic power units on
the left hand solid rocket booster was replaced last week after
it was discovered that the unit came from a lot that produced at
least one unit with a cracked housing. This unit will be hot
fired after the propellant loading operation. Ths activity is
scheduled through Friday.
Yesterday, technicians installed heat shields around the
number 2 main engine and finished securing the high pressure
oxidizer turbo pump on engine 3. A helium signature leak test of
the main propulsion system and main engines is scheduled for
Monday.
Shuttle managers will meet at KSC on Nov. 6-7 for the Flight
Readiness Review to assess the readiness for the safe and
successful conduct of the STS-33 launch, mission, landing and
recovery. An official launch date is also expected to be
announced at the conclusion of the review.
STS-36 - ATLANTIS (0V 104) - OPF BAY 1
Power up of the orbiter is planned for today along with
preparations to remove the protective tail cone. Operations are
underway to activate the hydraulic system to lower the body flap
for tail cone removal. Technicians are also preparing to open the
payload bay doors.
STS-32 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Testing of the orbiter's hydraulically operated systems is
underway this week. Yesterday, tests of the orbiter's
aerosurfaces/flight controls system and a test of the main
propulsion system thrust vector control system were conducted.
Preparations are underway to conduct a flight readiness test of
the three main engines. Closeouts of the midbody and
final thermal protection system operations are underway. Rollover
to the Vehicle Assembly Building is planned in about two weeks.
STS-32 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/EXTERNAL TANK - VAB
Mating operations began this morning for the external tank
and solid rocket boosters. "Soft-mate" is scheduled for tomorrow
morning. Checks of the mechanical and electrical connections will
be conducted after the mate. The orbiter is scheduled to be mated
in the next few weeks.
STS-36 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - RPSF
Technicians are building up the left and right aft solid
rocket boosters. Stacking is scheduled to begin with the left aft
booster this weekend.